amsteg hydro
Along the Swiss mountains, a town awaits; seeking to densify and share craftsmanship and tradition in the form of a human-centric superblock. A town whom welcomes innovation, patience and precision as skills to move the forgotten area forward, entrusting ideas of hands on teaching and gradual sprawl to better serve their economy.
location
silenen | switzerland
TYPE
concept | adaptive re-use
size
-- sf
program
travel abroad
STARTED
4th YEAR | 2024
future friendly design
heavy timber framing
solar enrgy
Project Brief
This project promotes the idea of densification through long-term stages of adaptable superblocks; allowing the so called "masterplan" to be developed by the community themselves.
Amsteg, a town recognized for it beauty in the Swiss landscape, traditionally has been a pass through between major Swiss cities. The town; however, faces population decline, a weakening economy and loss of personal identity — despite once leading the countries hydroelectric power. A decommissioned power plant meant the workforce fled but existing infrastructure didn't. This proposal introduces a concept of fragmentation to imagine buildings as starting points to new growth without dictating the "end result". This stems from the idea of necessity and how do the people of a town respond to needed architecture, The hydroelectric plant will function as a museum and city center, reflecting the towns core while the housing that surrounds the hydro plant will take from the city planning of Barcelona; an adaptable superblock that is people centric and future focused.
Capturing the city in fragments produced unique perspectives of typology, vernacular and utility. Wooden shutters, steep roofs and wide overhangs add to the aesthetics of Swiss vernacular and respond to the environmental demands of the landscape. Therefore it was important to not try and replicate the Swiss style but instead consider the same principles of materiality, durability and color palette as a form of experimentation while respecting the familiarity of what already exist.
From a nostalgic tone, machinery hints to the previous usage. Spaces evolving by the service and performance needs promote history from a physical sense, ranging in mass and scale.
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materiality + infill
Materials range in durability, deconstructivity promotes a masonry shell with Timber infill blending permanence with gentle warmness.
The impression of timber is used to soften the interior of a plant and give way to new operations of show n' tell. Deconstructive materialization lends the opportunity to pursue the mentality of construction using breaks, inserts and transparency to blur he inside and outside. Moments of masonry-fill provide protection in areas sensitive to sun, lend a wall for interior mounting and improve areas for efficiency.
programming
Visitors and locals can explore the hydro plant for regional history and temporary hospitality.
The scope of larger gathering spaces with sensitive-closed spaces lend four areas of yourism and community. A museum boast regional and local history of railroads, hydropower and commerce. A market hall welcomes exchanges of goods and food while the activity center connects to the younger generation; welcoming patrons of all ages.
Presentation Board
CONCLUSION
A future built patiently by the people who call it home.
In the Swiss mountains, this proposal is not merely an intervention, but a commitment to craft, to community, and to continuity. Through a human-centric superblock, densification becomes more than growth; it becomes a place for shared knowledge, planning, and experience. What emerges is not just a denser town, but a resilient one; rooted in tradition and open to innovation.
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